- Introduction: Around The World (And Then Some) In 5 Days
- Review: United Polaris Lounge Newark Airport
- Review: Austrian Business Class 767 Newark To Vienna
- Review: Moxy Vienna Airport
- Review: Austrian Business Lounge Vienna Airport
- Review: EgyptAir Business Class 737 Vienna To Cairo
- Review: Oman Air Business Class A330 Cairo To Muscat
- Review: Oman Air First Class Lounge Muscat Airport
- Review: Oman Air Business Class Lounge Muscat Airport
- Review: Oman Air First Class Service By Design
- Review: Oman Air First Class 787 Muscat To London
- Review: Air Belgium Lounge Charleroi Airport
- Review: Air Belgium Business Class A340 Charleroi To Hong Kong
- Review: SkyTeam Lounge Hong Kong Airport
- Review: Korean Air First Class A330 Hong Kong To Incheon
- Review: Korean Air First Class Lounge Incheon Airport
- Review: Korean Air First Class 787 Incheon To San Francisco
Since I was flying Oman Air first class I spent most of my time in the first class section of the lounge, which greatly exceeded my expectations.
However, since I had time, I figured I might as well check out the business class section of the lounge as well. As a point of comparison, here’s a review of Oman Air’s business class lounge in their old terminal from a couple of years ago, which was already quite nice.
From the first class section of the lounge there was a door leading to the business class section, though a code is required to open the door. Since the staff to guest ratio in the first class lounge is roughly 1:1, Salim not only opened the door for me, but actually accompanied me on a tour of the business class section of the lounge.
Oman Air Lounge door to first class section
The business class section of the lounge has a bar that looks similar to the one in the first class lounge, except it’s a bit bigger. The bar is where all the alcohol is served, as it’s not otherwise displayed in the lounge.
Oman Air Business Class Lounge Muscat Airport seating
Oman Air Business Class Lounge Muscat Airport bar
In this area there’s some traditional lounge seating set up in rows.
Oman Air Business Class Lounge Muscat Airport seating
Near the entrance to the first class lounge there’s also some high-top seating.
Oman Air Business Class Lounge high-top seating
Oman Air Business Class Lounge Muscat Airport dining area
Oman Air Business Class Lounge Muscat Airport seating
The lounge had two main dining areas. One was completely deserted when I visited the lounge. My guess is that there’s only food there during peak hours, and clearly when I visited the lounge wasn’t a peak period. It had over a dozen dining tables and a self serve buffet.
Oman Air Business Class Lounge dining area
Oman Air Business Class Lounge Muscat Airport dining area
There was also a display kitchen, but again, there was no one in it.
Oman Air Business Class Lounge Muscat Airport dining area
Then there was a second dining area, which was larger, and was also where all the food was located while I was in the lounge.
Oman Air Business Class Lounge Muscat Airport dining area
The food selection was on a semi-circular buffet.
Oman Air Business Class Lounge buffet
There were a variety of cold options, including croissants, fresh fruit, cheese, cold cuts, cereal, etc.
Oman Air Business Class Lounge food selection
Oman Air Business Class Lounge food selection
Oman Air Business Class Lounge food selection
Oman Air Business Class Lounge food selection
Oman Air Business Class Lounge food selection
Oman Air Business Class Lounge food selection
Oman Air Business Class Lounge food selection
There were also several hot options, pictured below.
Oman Air Business Class Lounge food selection
Oman Air Business Class Lounge food selection
Oman Air Business Class Lounge food selection
Oman Air Business Class Lounge food selection
Oman Air Business Class Lounge food selection
Oman Air Business Class Lounge food selection
Oman Air Business Class Lounge food selection
Then there was a selection of self serve soft drinks, water, juice, two types of Nespresso coffee machines, and dates.
Oman Air Business Class Lounge coffee machine
Oman Air Business Class Lounge coffee machine
Oman Air Business Class Lounge food selection
Oman Air Business Class Lounge food selection
Beyond the dining and bar area, the lounge has plenty of other seating. The lounge has a bit of an odd layout, which I appreciate, since it creates quite a few unique zones, and makes the lounge feel less crowded.
Oman Air Business Class Lounge Muscat Airport seating
Oman Air Business Class Lounge seating
Oman Air Business Class Lounge seating
Oman Air Business Class Lounge seating
Oman Air Business Class Lounge seating
Oman Air Business Class Lounge seating
The lounge then has some other unique features. First of all, there are a few daybeds with curtains around them, so while they’re not fully private, they’re better than nothing.
Oman Air Business Class Lounge Muscat Airport relaxation area
Oman Air Business Class Lounge Muscat Airport relaxation area
Then the lounge also has four nap rooms, with fully flat daybeds for those who want to get some rest during their layover. Each of these rooms also has a small table.
Oman Air Business Class Lounge nap room
Oman Air Business Class Lounge nap room
Then the lounge has a couple of private cinema rooms, with comfortable chairs with ottomans facing TVs.
Oman Air Business Class Lounge relaxation area
Oman Air Business Class Lounge relaxation area
Then the lounge also has family rooms, which are private rooms intended for families traveling together. Unfortunately they were all occupied, so I wasn’t able to take a look at one of them.
Then there was a play area for kids.
Oman Air Business Class Lounge kids play area
The lounge also has stairs leading up to a second floor, though that section was blocked off. The lounge will also eventually have a spa. I was told that the spa was ready, but that they just didn’t have therapists yet, but were hoping to have them within a few weeks. So hopefully the spa opens soon.
Oman Air Business Class Lounge stairs
Oman Air business class lounge Muscat bottom line
Oman Air is already one of my favorite airlines, and the new Muscat Airport ground experience they offer only elevates my impression of them further. Not only is the terminal itself beautiful, but the lounges are great as well.
Now, in fairness, I would actually say that the first class lounge is what shines here most, given how huge it is, the extensive a la carte dining, the personalized service, and the beautiful decor.
However, the business class lounge is excellent as well. It’s large, and I imagine it shouldn’t get too crowded even during peak hours. It has a solid food selection, nice furnishings, and lots of unique concepts you don’t see in other lounges, like nap rooms, cinema rooms, family rooms, and hopefully soon, a spa. This has all the characteristics of what I look for in some of the best airport lounges.
@Endre
As per the review: “solid”, and it appears so. But better than EK or SQ F lounges? I hardly think so.
Other: the capsules from those awful Nespresso machines are not recycled in most places but go direct to landfill. It’s mostly lousy tasting coffee in any case but they should be avoided for environmental concerns.
Was here a few weeks ago with a nighttime departure. In the evening, the lounge is more 'fun' than pictured here. Very good food selection, all stations manned, a few more people but still spacious and private enough. Really liked it.
Will be there in November - looking forward to it after this review!
Is it always THAT empty?
I was in the lounge last week, the business section really sucks for food.
@Endre. Yes please remind us again about your paid econ oops! I mean first class travel. I’m sure everyone has forgotten
The kids play area looks quite boring. No toys and no paper or crayons.
@Endre - You mean when you're travelling in paid first class? We had almost forgotten!
Travelling back home with Oman over Christmas - thanks for the detail!
What’s with the repeated ‘then the lounge’?? Makes it kind of boring and repetitive
beautiful. would love to visit one day
Are there showers?
I usually stay in first class lounges around the world. However, judging by this review, I must say this Oman Air business lounge is far better than several first class lounges such as Emirates, Concorde room and Singapore.